By Niki Cervantes
Staff Writer

December 28, 2015 -- It started 125 years ago as a tiny reading room next to a local drug store.

Next month, the Santa Monica Public Library will usher in the new year with an anniversary celebration marking its evolution into a 21st Century system of five high-tech libraries with a budget of more than $12.3 million.

“We’re a lucky community,” Robert Graves, public services and programming librarian, told the Lookout. “Not everyone has had the support that our libraries have had.”

The Library system officially marked its anniversary in early December, but postponed the big celebration until January 9, which is the 10th birthday of the current Main Library Building, at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, Graves said.

Festivities will include concerts, tours, lecturing on the library’s famous 1930s-era mural created by Stanton Macdonald-Wright, crafts, a talk by Santa Monica author Robert Crais and, finally, a birthday cake.

But for all the festivities, the day could also be a reminder of just how well the library system has aged and –- maybe even thrived -- in the digital age, officials said.

Whatever the pressures from the Internet Age, Santa Monica’s public libraries are nonetheless home to about 400,000 books, Graves said.

According to local historians, Santa Monica’s first public library was formally established in 1890 with 800 volumes given to trustees by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union on Third Street.

Santa Monica’s population back then was about 1,000, which included 160 houses, a small school district, church, hotel, a wharf and a bathhouse.

At the top of the library reading list during the early days were now-classics such as Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray," published that year, and Rudyard Kipling’s “Gunga Din,” which was published two years later in 1892.

The names on the library’s bestseller list have changed since its humble beginnings as two rooms in a bank on Oregon Avenue, now Santa Monica Boulevard, Graves said. But the popularity of the written word on paper continues -- despite growing digital competition.

“It’s the digital world now but people will always want books on paper,” Graves said. “You can still cuddle up with a book to read.

"You can’t really do that with a (computer) tablet. I’m not worried. People still like books. They always will.”

The mission for Santa Monica’s Public Library has also become far more ambitious as the city has grown to more than 92,000 residents and become home to numerous high-tech companies.

Aside from trying to meet today’s digital needs, the City’s current strategic plan for the Public Library system is to make it a “community, cultural and learning hub.”

The plan targets everyone from parents and their toddlers to much older patrons, offering a long list of activities and classes for those of all ages.

Today’s public libraries in Santa Monica are meant to “build community wellbeing,” according to the plan.

The influence of new technology is readily seen in the city’s now decade-old Main Library. At a cost of $57.7 million, the new library was designed specifically to meet the high-tech demands of 21st Century, officials said.

The two-level, 105,000-square-foot facility has become a popular destination, drawing nearly a million visitors every year, officials said.

The building was constructed with state-of-the-art technology, is environmentally friendly and features attractive landscaping and amenities such as a café and bookstore.

Santa Monica’s library celebration on Saturday, January 9, will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a children’s music and movement concert by Moo Moo Musica. It is aimed at babies and young toddlers.

History buffs are invited to a lecture and tour of the Stanton Macdonald-Wright mural, led by longtime Docent Sally Ashear, also starting at 10:30 a.m. A second tour starts at 1:30 p.m.

At 11 a.m., families with children ages 7 and older can attend the class “Make a Fan-Style Memory Book,” led by local artist Debra Disman.

A concert called “Music! Music! Music!” is scheduled for noon, and features the Santa Monica High School, or Samohi, Strings. It includes Ragtime and other popular period music.

A scavenger hunt throughout the library for middle schoolers, teens and adults starts at 1 p.m., officials said. Called “Get in the Game,” the event is hosted by Wise Guy Events.

Cake-time is at 2:30 p.m. Sweet snacks and drinks will also be offered. The winners of the scavenger hunt will be announced as well, along with the winners of the library’s recent “Design Our Card” contest.

The day wraps up with a 3 p.m. talk by Robert Crais, the best-selling author and library supporter who will discuss his latest mystery novel, “The Promise.”

Officials said seating for some of the events is limited and on a first arrival basis.

The library is wheelchair accessible. Notice for disabled services is needed at least one week prior and can be arranged by calling (310) 458-8606.

The library is served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10.